MOSES LAKE - Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen, D-Shelton, announced this week he'll seek re-election to a fifth term in office.

Owen, 61, was elected in 1996 as Washington state's 15th lieutenant governor and re-elected in 2000, 2004 and 2008. The lieutenant governor position presides over the state Senate and serves as acting governor in the case of an absence.

Prior to becoming lieutenant governor, Owen served as Shelton's finance commissioner, a member of the Washington State House of Representatives and in the Washington State Senate. He said he's running for re-election as lieutenant governor because he wants to work to get Washington moving again.

"We need to stimulate our economy and help create family-wage jobs," he stated. "I've traveled the world building economic alliances with friendly nations and I plan to continue my work to help Washington state businesses increase their share in the world market."

Substance abuse prevention and child welfare have been cornerstones of Owen's time in office, he said, pointing to the decade he's spent visiting schools across the state, presenting a multi-media musical program that raises awareness of bullying and the dangers of substance abuse.

Owen denounced criticisms labeling him as a partisan lieutenant governor, saying the charge is "ironic" as he's widely known for bringing the parties together.

"One of the things I am most proud of is the relationships that I have developed on both sides of the aisle," he stated. "As the president of the Senate, I have made sure that all sides get a fair shake on the Senate floor. I've tried to be the most bipartisan lieutenant governor in the history of our state."

Owen is being challenged for his position this year by former Republican state Sen. Bill Finkbeiner, Republican House member Glenn Anderson and Clifford Mark Green, who lists his party preference on Public Disclosure Commission forms as Party of Commons.